Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Miami, FL
TEMPTATIONS OF THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL IN
MIAMI
By Joanne and Barry Epstein
Brickell Key is one
of the most prestigious residential and
commercial locations in Miami and the home of
the 326 room waterfront
Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This
luxurious paradise oasis is located on a 44 acre
man made island just minutes from the
international financial district, South Beach,
Bayside and Coconut Grove.
Built in 1985, the
bridge to this Island was not dedicated until
1997. Several multi-million dollar condominiums
surround the island with the most luscious
landscaping that is manicured by experts. A mile
long walking path surrounds the property.
As we approached the
bridge to Brickell Island, a signature curved
structure came out of the sky. The Mandarin
Oriental Hotel resembles waves on the ocean, all
designed according to Feng Shui, surrounded by
grand date palms and coconut trees. The lush
landscape guided us up a meandering drive to the
entrance. Our excitement of what was to come was
overwhelming when we entered the Grand Lobby
with the breathtaking view of the Bay.
At check in, we were
offered a cup of Chinese tea at the front desk
of this magnificent hotel, a resort in and of
itself. The exquisite décor of the lobby
encompassed many different versions of the use
of smooth large round river rocks, allowing the
flow of good energy to surround us.
The design took complete advantage at every turn
to emphasize the grandeur of the bay, as we
exited the elevator on our way to our suite.
Our Junior Suite was decorated in dark wood
tones with bright white fabrics in both the
sitting area and bedding, accented with art of
primary colors. The elegant yellow fossil
embedded marble bathroom with its oversized
soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower, has a
large opening over the tub to enjoy the view of
the bay while soaking. A majestic terrace
encompassed the entire length of the suite with
chaises for lounging or uprights just for
chatting.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a Five Star hotel
for dogs, as well. The hotel was involved with
the filming of Marley & Me and has Miami Dog
Days to prove it. Your little angel will be
pampered with plush dog beds, bone shaped place
mats with food and water bowls, treats and
bottled water. Toys are available, as well as
play time in the park, and walking services.
The infinity pool
and Oasis Beach Club overlook the blue waters of
the Bay. The pool café serves choices of a sushi
bar or scrumptious salads, sandwiches or
burgers, while enjoying the Florida sun.
Next to the pool
you’ll enjoy the Five Star International
Holistic Spa and I do mean Five Star, as it is
the only Five Star Spa in Florida. The attention
you receive from the moment you enter brings
serenity that will last long past your visit. It
began with a cup of herbal tea, followed with
spa slippers delivered on slatted teak wood
trays. We were then introduced to both the
women’s and men’s resting lounge to change into
the most luxurious soft yellow bath robes,
enjoying a large selection of fresh fruit and
spicy healthy snacks, along with a choice of
teas or bottled water. Each spa experience is
inspired by Chinese, Ayurvedic, European,
Balinese, Thai rituals and treatments. The décor
consisted of soothing waterfalls, large black
stone bowls filled with floating rose pedals and
a single oil candle adding to the tranquility.
Private saunas and steam rooms with elegant
showers were available for our leisure before
and after our spa experience.
We were then introduced to our treatment
specialists who guided us up a private glass
elevator to the second floor where our couples’
spa experience continued. There were 17 private
suites, some with large soaking tubs, pulsating
showers and again, large bowls with floating
candles and rose pedals. We were lead into our
suite overlooking the majesty of Brickell Bay.
Nothing was left out of our Five Star
experience, down to a beautiful Chinese singing
bowl and Chinese bells to ring the Chi, clearing
the energy. I was handed a beautiful small stone
bowl to place the jewelry that I neglected to
remove and several choices of essential oils for
my massage experience. The soft tranquil
soothing sounds of birds chirping added to the
peacefulness. Our hour and a half massage was
ended again with the quiet sounds of Chinese
clearing bells and our table heads were raised
to allow the beauty of the our incredible view
to finish our experience.
These highly trained
therapists have many specialties, offering Yoga
and Tai Chi classes, along with a comprehensive
Fitness Center adjoining the Spa. The Oasis
Beach Club also features private cabanas for
outdoor spa treatments.
Azul is one of the
finest dining experiences in Miami and this five
star restaurant is fortunate to have Clay
Conley, a passionate chef creating fresh daily
ingredients that are flown in from all over the
world. The flavors encompass his background of
New England, with Asian and Mediterranean
sophistication. We were able to savor appetizers
of crab cakes and succulent oysters, followed by
entrees of sweet Jumbo stone crabs and signature
swordfish, along with the freshest baked bread
and seasoned vegetables. The wine list is
considered one of the largest selections in
Miami and features the finest Champagnes.
Meeting and banquet
facilities total 15,000 square feet of space
that includes a ballroom seating more than 600
people. A business center is also available for
guests.
Miami Nights offers two exciting packages for
guests to enjoy the Miami Nightlife, mingling
with celebrities in the comfort of a private
chauffeured limousine, visiting the trendiest
clubs, while experiencing an unforgettable
evening.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group operates 41
prestigious hotels and resorts in 24 countries.
Family packages are available with two and three
bedroom suites.
Florida residents
have a great opportunity to vacation close to
home and enjoy world-class accommodations,
unrivalled levels of service and extensive
facilities including Florida's only Five-Star
Spa, a private beach, infinity-edge swimming
pool and innovative restaurants and bars.
The "Fantastic
Florida Escape" package includes:
- Luxury
accommodation
- Daily
breakfast for up to two persons
-
Complimentary valet parking
Enticing
rates start from USD 269. Package is valid
through September 30, 2009. Rates are
subject to availability, exclusive of tax
and apply to Florida residents only.
Visit their
website:
Mandarin Oriental Hotel or Call
for reservations at 305.913.8383 and begin
your fantasy today.
